Congo accuses Rwanda in East African court of helping rebels fight against Congolese forces

ARUSHA, Tanzania (AP) — A regional court in East Africa opened a hearing Thursday in a case brought by Congo against Rwanda, accusing the country of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity by sending troops to support rebels in the east of the country.

Armed violence is rife in eastern Congo. More than 120 groups are fighting for power, land and valuable natural resources, while others are trying to defend their communities. Some armed groups are accused of mass murder.

Congo claims that Rwandan troops have been involved in aggression and war crimes in the east. In July, UN experts estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan government troops are stationed in eastern Congo, alongside the rebel group M23, which has made major advances.

The East African Court, based in Arusha, Tanzania, was established in 1999 as a regional court under a treaty between a group of East African states to hear cases from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. The court has been ratified by the United Nations.

The proceedings took place a day after Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi called for sanctions against Rwanda before the UN General Assembly because the country was supporting the M23 rebels in the troubled eastern region.

With the lawsuit, Congo seeks to hold Rwanda accountable for violations, including atrocities against civilians and violations of international law, and to obtain compensation for the victims of these alleged crimes.

The lawsuit underscores ongoing tensions between the two countries, particularly over the resource-rich eastern Congo.

“We are happy that the case has gained momentum,” Elisha Ongoya, a lawyer representing Congo, told the Associated Press.

Rwanda lodged an appeal, challenging the court's jurisdiction in the case. Rwanda's lawyer, Emile Ntwali, asked for the case to be dismissed because the regional court does not hear criminal cases.

Ntwali also pointed out procedural errors, such as Congo's failure to translate court documents into English, the court's official language.

Congo's legal team asked the court to allow it to present new evidence and translated documents.

Presiding Judge Yohanne Masara said the court would consider the arguments of both sides and make a decision on the objections at a later date.